Diggin' In

October 03, 1999|By KATHY VAN MULLEKOM Daily Press

If you do not have the garden space to plant bulbs, grow them in a large container. Plant bulbs in a wooden, plastic or resin-type pot, one that is at least 18 to 24 inches wide and deep. The method is similar to making lasagna - build by adding layers.

First put in a foundation of drainage material and soil, says the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center. Eight inches deep from the top of the container, add a layer of large flower bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. Position bulbs close together, even touching, but not touching the sides of the container.

Add 3 inches of soil. At 5 inches deep, add small bulbs such as grape hyacinths. Top with 3 or more inches of soil and an inch of mulch. Water well. Protect from extreme winter climates. Come spring, you will have a lovely bouquet blooming outside a window overlooking your deck or patio.

For a free fax that shows a graphic on how to layer bulbs in a container, call the Daily Press 1- Line, 928-1111, category 4771.

You also can get shovels of more information about delightful daffodils in the October issue of Hampton Roads Gardening magazine. The free publication tells you about gorgeous gourds, convenient gas appliances, All-America roses for 2000 and Proven Winner perennials to plant now.

SEXY GARDENS. Angela Overy, botanical illustrator for the Denver Botanic Gardens and author of the humorous but very educational book "Sex in Your Garden," will talk about native flowers, bees and butterflies at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Watermen's Hall auditorium at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point. Sponsored by the Garden Club of Gloucester, the event benefits the teaching marsh project at VIMS. Cost is $25, including tea with Angela and a tour of the teaching marsh.

The marsh, which is planted with 32 species of regulated wetland plants, is next to the Coleman Bridge. The marsh is designed to improve water quality in the York River by filtering storm runoff from the bridge. VIMS will use the marsh to expand its environmental education programs. To attend Angela's lecture, call (804) 684-7099.

FASHION BASH. Lili's of Ghent and Silverman's Furs will roll out the latest in fashions for the fall and holidays in a fashion show and luncheon sponsored by the Peninsula Council of Garden Clubs at 11 a.m. Oct. 16 at the James River Country Club. The event benefits beautification projects. $25. Call Virginia Kostyal, 596-6452.

MAKE IT/TAKE IT. Make a living wreath or ivy topiary with the help of professional Steve Urick during workshops 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and Nov. 10 at McDonald Garden Center, Hampton. The classes are sponsored by Norfolk Botanical Garden. Cost is $35 for botanical garden members; $42 for others. Materials provided. 441-5830, Ext. 16.

TIP OF THE WEEK

* October is the time to plant pansies. Give them sun, regular feedings of a water-soluble or timed- release fertilizer and light trimmings when they get too leggy in later winter. Wait until November to plant your tulips.

* Play the gardening trivia game on the Daily Press 1-Line and win a pair of tickets to the Homearama showcase of new homes, including a special Hurricane House with a "Safe Room," through Oct.17 in the Great Bridge area of Chesapeake. We will give away seven pairs of tickets. To play, call 928-1111, category 4780. This week's winners are Rebecca Pereira of Hampton, Kathleen Benner and Martha Innis of Newport News, Louise Goddard of Smithfield, Valerie Davis of Virginia Beach and Colleen Brogan of Yorktown.